Caracal is a genus of cats, family Felidae, containing one living species, Caracal caracal, with three recognized subspecies, southern, northern and Asiatic, found across sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia and into Pakistan and northwestern India. It is a medium-sized cat reaching 40 to 50 centimeters at the shoulder and weighing 8 to 19 kilograms, males larger than females, distinguished by long tufted ears, a short face, long canine teeth and a uniformly reddish-tan or sandy coat with lighter underparts.
Facts
Taxonomic Rank Scientific Name Geographic Distributionnative to Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia, and arid areas of Pakistan and northwestern India 1 Defining CharacteristicsThe caracal is typically nocturnal, though some activity may be observed during the day as well 1 Member Count Band Era First Appeared Partially Attested
Member Species/Taxa CountHistorically the genus was considered monotypic, containing only Caracal caracal; current phylogenetic classification places the African golden cat, Caracal aurata, in the same genus as well, per the Wikipedia genus-level article. Identification
Distinguishing Appearancecharacterised by a robust build, long legs, a short face, long tufted ears, relatively short tail, and long canine teeth 1 Classification
Living or Extinct Connections
Child Taxon Of
Parent Taxon Of
Source Wikidata: African Golden Cat
In the Other Atlases
Found In
Also in Geography Atlas: where this subject is found.
Also in Geography Atlas: where this subject is found.
Also in Geography Atlas: where this subject is found.
Also in Geography Atlas: where this subject is found.
Sources
1. Caracal (Wikipedia)
Wikimedia FoundationIntroduction section
native to Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia, and arid areas of Pakistan and northwestern India
Ecology and behaviour section
The caracal is typically nocturnal, though some activity may be observed during the day as well
Introduction/Description section
characterised by a robust build, long legs, a short face, long tufted ears, relatively short tail, and long canine teeth
View the Source 2. Wikidata (taxon extant/extinct status)
Wikimedia Foundation / Wikidata contributorsQ30847, descriptionView the Source 3. Caracal (genus) - Wikipedia
Introduction, sentence 1 (rank clause)
Caracal is a genus in the subfamily Felinae of the family Felidae
Introduction, sentence 1 (name clause)
Caracal is a genus in the subfamily Felinae of the family Felidae
Taxonomy section, species table row
Genus Caracal, Gray, 1843, two species
View the Source4. Catalogue of Life (ChecklistBank): Taxon metrics for Caracal
Catalogue of Life (ChecklistBank)Taxon metrics, speciesExtantCountQuote, Taxon metrics, speciesExtantCount
"speciesExtantCount": 2
5. Paleobiology Database: Taxon record for Caracal
Paleobiology DatabaseTaxon record, first appearance (firstapp_max_ma, early_interval)Quote, Taxon record, first appearance (firstapp_max_ma, early_interval)
"taxon_name": "Caracal" ... "firstapp_max_ma": 23.04 ... "early_interval": "Aquitanian"
Wikidata: Caracal
Wikidata Q2937805, class allow-list match (w-wdresolver-0926)View the Source Wikidata: African Golden Cat
Parent Taxon Of: African Golden Cat, Wikidata parent-taxon (P171) chainView the Source Felidae (Wikipedia)
Child Taxon Of: Felidae, Characteristics, furQuote, Child Taxon Of: Felidae, Characteristics, fur
Most cat species are born with spotted fur, except the jaguarundi (Herpailurus yagouaroundi), Asian golden cat (Catopuma temminckii) and caracal (Caracal caracal).
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